Living Images of Plants

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JOHANN SAPIIDUS Johann Sapidus (1490–1561) was a noted German humanist and Latin poet. sends greetings to the Reader.

¶ You who desire to learn the innate powers of Herbs,
And to know the names recognized in diverse regions,
And to be taught what the appearance of each one is,
By reading this book, you will have your wish granted.
Indeed, no past ages have seen this kind of writing
Handed down with such great convenience.
For Otto Brunfels original: "Ottho Brunfelfius", as if into a certain garden,
Has brought here seeds cultivated from various countrysides.
He teaches their power, and likewise the use of the medicine,
So well, that actual experience could not do better.
Thus he compresses the instructions of things with such brevity,
That wordy speech may not cause a hateful delay.
Yet again, he abounds in a lawful flow of speech where needed,
Lest a stingy style should lack its proper meaning.
Now also Hans Weiditz original: "Ioannes Guidictius", that famous painter,
With a genius no less than that of Apelles Apelles was the most renowned painter of ancient Greece; this is a high humanist compliment.,
Has rendered the figures so skillfully with sharp art,
That anyone would say they were the very Herbs themselves.
How great the expense and labor of Johann Schott original: "Ioannis SCHOTTI",
And what his zeal and care have been, you may see,
While, relying on the ancestral invention of bronze pens A poetic reference to moveable metal type and the printing press.,
He has prepared this work worthy of great praise.
Therefore come, whoever you are listed on the medical Roll,
It is worth your while not to be without this book.

Horizontal woodcut ornamental border featuring floral scrollwork and a central mascaron or face.